Matt Grzelcyk was back at development camp Friday, one day after being forced to the classroom at Boston University, and was also back in a non-contact jersey.

By Dan CagenDaily News staff

WILMINGTON — Matt Grzelcyk was back at development camp Friday, one day after being forced to the classroom at Boston University, and was also back in a non-contact jersey.

Grezlcyk underwent surgery on his left shoulder in January after a freak accident in practice. He hasn’t played since and has yet to be cleared for contact, although the defenseman is looking good otherwise.

“We got a tremendous report from our doctors five months post-surgery,” assistant general manager Don Sweeney said. “You can see why we put him in a red jersey, not to jeopardize his upcoming season. We don't need to be putting him into battles and even potentially risk getting hurt. He's not able to lift normally. That's probably frustrating for him. He's been trying to put on a little strength and weight, but that's part of the rehab process.

“He looks really good, certainly skating well. We're excited about his upcoming season and he should make a full recovery.”

The 5-foot-9 Grzelcyk is the new captain at BU. The 2012 third-round pick and Charlestown native had a strong showing representing the United States at the World Junior Championships shortly before hurting the shoulder.

“I've spoken numerous times to [BU coach David Quinn] and he thinks the world of him as a person and a player, as we do,” Sweeney said. “His head for the game is really, really good. The hockey sense piece, his mobility. He's obviously got physical limitations that he's going to have to understand and play within at the next level against bigger guys. But you're starting to see him understand, even more in this environment. He handles it in college because he has that extra second to process things, but he'll get there. It's not a sprint for him, just a natural progression. Continue to fill out, get stronger. Get past the surgery, but Matty's going to be a good player.”